This story was inspired by MinusDark and TheOneCutKiller from my point of view who made the best Akame ga Kill stories. Just like them, I'll be replacing Tsukushi for my OC. But that doesn't mean that Tsukushi will be not in the story. She will appear later on as a side character. Well let's get on with the story. And new OC by the way.

No one's POV

Dark times were ever on the minds of the citizens within the Empire, which always meant they wished for something to cut through that darkness. There was always the hope for change, but there's always other things to do rather than simply wish. Which means, performers thrived at times like this.

Sabatini: Now, Ladies and Gentlemen! Next up are the Sabatini Company's promising new members! Enjoy their acrobatic balancing act! Give it up for Akame and Ryu!

Akame: Hello, I'm Akame!

Ryu: Thanks for having us, I'm Ryu!

In the North of the Empire, Town of Taigen. The young duo showed up with smiles upon their faces, gladly presenting themselves for their show with splendour before they started their work. Anything they did they had complete trust in one another no matter how dangerous, and they still made it look impressive no matter what. Still their eyes focused on elsewhere as they landed to the cheers of the crowd but kept their smiles at seeing the happy populace.

Sabatini: How is it they're so skilled when they've just joined up, you ask?! These two were actually traveling performers with another company! After they lost their parents in an accident, they were looking for a new company to join when they found us!

One last trick as Akame landed safely in Ryu's arms caused the crowd to roar in applause, so much more being contributed for the company before the other members started their acts.

(Timeskip)

After the show was finished, Sabitani, went back to their tent and meet up with the rest of their traveling circus groups.

Sabitani: Business was booming in this town too. Just as I thought, traveling performers do well in times like these.

Amuria: Our newest members are a big reason behind it!

Natalia: It's true, they make a good appetizer, getting the crowd hungry for the main dish: my dancing.

Sabatini: And even if it is tragic, the way in which they came to join us has its benefits. The crowd sympathizes with Akame and Ryu, and that brings in more contributions.

Duncan: We'll have to think about how we're going to incorporate them into the group from here on, eh Kouga?

Kouga: Yeah...

Akame and Ryu were outside, taking care of smaller cleaning duties like the knives they used to juggle. Ryu was just sharpening the knife while Akame cleans them. Not hearing anything that was being said right next to them but more focused on something else.

Ryu: Akame, you saw the message father sent us during the show, right?

Akame: Yeah, he says they're going to bite the bait tomorrow...

Ryu: So the day has come. You think you're going to be fine?

Akame: I'm so nervous... I'm getting hungry...

Akame's stomach grumble loudly as she complains about the situation. Ryu scratched his head and laughs at little towards his glutton partner's serious tone towards something that become common place to see for her.

Ryu: You always feel that way... but I'm sorry I can't exactly cook as much as I usually do.

Akame: It's fine... I like it better when there's nothing going on anyway...

Ryu: Yeah, I supposed. It gives us a moment to take a breather for once.

Amuria then exits the tent and call out to the new recruits.

Amuria: I think it's about time we got dinner started. Akame, you can have seconds today!

Akame: Really?!

Ryu: -_- And now she's back to being like this...

Amuria: Our ringmaster had a lot of good things to say about you two, you've really helped us out!

Ryu: Oh no. We hardly did anything special. You guys are the one that help us out a lot.

Ryu wave his hand denying the claim, while Akame was still daydreaming about the seconds she was about to get. But Amuria deny his claim back and smile gently at him.

Amuria: In the month since you guys have joined us, we've seen a definite rise in our earnings. Be proud of yourselves!

Though Ryu and Akame shared smiles, there's something that hung in their hearts at what would've likely been done the next day. Deep down, they were hoping its not true. Fake smiles always take their toll eventually.

Kouga: We'll be leaving at dawn tomorrow. Just to be safe, we need to reach the next town before nightfall.

Ryu: Is it because of the rumors of the Shiranami Bandits you heard so much about?

Kouga: Yeah, they've added barbarians from the north to their mix and are going around doing whatever they please. We're still pretty far from Mount Shiranami, so I think we should be okay. But it's better to be safe than sorry.

(Timeskip)

The next day at the crack of dawn, the Sabitani Group left the town and head towards the next town where they would perform their next shows. It was silent for the most parts, Sabitani was at the front driving the carriage. The others, Natalia, Amuria, Kouga, Duncan, Ryu and Akame were at the back, inside the carriage. Of course, every journey has to have some incidents but it's not always the most obvious ones.

Duncan: It's starting! Everyone, get away from me! Run for your lives!

Kouga: Sheesh, you're just getting motion sickness again. Stop making a fuss over nothing.

Amuria: You okay?

Natalia: I swear, how pathetic for a big guy like you-

Duncan: Waah! A snake!

Duncan grew a visible tick on his head by Natalia's remark. But he soon grinned, as an idea pop out of his head. He threw something towards Natalia who immediately shriek.

Natalia: Eeeek!!

Natalia jumps toward the Ryu. The boy who was just meditating, immediately startled by the sudden hug by his colleagues, the snake being something Ryu quickly picks up.

Ryu: Natalia, it's just a rope. He's just messing with you.

Natalia: Oh...

Ryu: And if you don't mind. Can you let go of me? Your face is literally close to mine.

Because of her sudden movement, her face had moved right beside Ryu's before she realized it. When she noticed Ryu's face was close enough to kiss her if he turned his head, Natalia immediately flushed bright red.

Natalia: How dare you, you baldy?!

Duncan was suddenly put in a headlock by Natalia who couldn't stop her blushing face.

Kouga: What did you expect to happen, you dumb baldy...? And shouldn't you thank him instead, Natalia, you get to hug your crush?

Natalia: Who are you calling Crush?! I never said I had a crush on Ryu!!

Kouga: Yeah. Yeah.

Ryu sighs and walks toward the duo before presenting something to him.

Ryu: These herbs help with motion sickness, take them before this thing turns over with the commotion.

Duncan: Ooh! Thanks Ryu!

Amuria: Isn't that valuable? You sure you want to share it?

Ryu: No, not a problem at all. They were just herbs I found on the road, I thought it'd might come in handy just in case.

Amuria: You're so thoughtful, Ryu.

The pats to his head and caring smile caused a small blush to appear on his cheeks, genuine happiness and some sadness flowing through his body before everyone jumps at the sudden bangs.

Everyone: ?!

Kouga: What was that?!

Distressed, Kouga takes a weapon, jumping out of the caravan to be met with bandits that clearly followed them. He's eyes widened in fear. It was the Shiranami Bandits that they've been meaning to avoid.

Bandit 1: So this is the traveling company from the rumors.

The rest of the traveling companies in the Sabitani's group gathered outside. Some of the group members face were paled trembling with slight fear.

Bandits 1: I see, looks like you've got a lot of pretty ladies. Once we take your money and women it'll make coming all this way worth it.

Sabatini: Wh-what are the bandits doing out here?!

Dangan: We'll have to fight them, everyone grab a weapon! Akame and Ryu, stay behind me!

Bandit 1: Well, well. So you mean to fight?

Bandit 2: Have it your way, it'll all turn out the same in the end. Hey chief, same routine as usual?

Leader: Yeah, kill all the men and slice the women's leg tendons so they can't run away.

Sabatini: V-Villains!

Akame approaches them by herself, Ryu getting ready for his next move and stopping anyone from following her as she clearly didn't like the words being said towards them.

Akame: You guys... Do that to all your victims, just like the rumours say?

Kouga: Ryu let go, she's going to get herself killed!

Ryu: Just watch.

Leader: Of course we do! We're the gang of Shiranami that can make even a crying child shut up with fear! Little lady, we're gonna nab you and make you everyone's-

Akame: Then you can rest in pieces.

The moment she moved forward, the bandit leader was dead and her weapon drawn, Ryu smiling as he draws his weapon in the midst of everyone's surprise.

Bandit 2: Who's this little brat think she is?! Artillery! Fire!

A few gunshots could be heard before more limbs started flying as Akame looked back to see Ryu with his blade and a gun drawn.

Ryu: Oh? Did that surprise you? So who's next?

They were charged at immediately, Ryu with his Prometheus' guns on his left and a katana blade on his right. Both him and Akame attacked in tandem, a flurry of blades and bullets as they fought like this was nothing while the rest of the company watched in awe.

The Sabitani group looked at the two children before Sabitani himself raised his cane and pumped it upwards signaling the others.

Sabatini: W-we'll follow their lead. We're gonna win this!

And with that, a bloody battle ensued. Ryu would fire with his Prometheus gun towards the farthest enemies away while using his katana blade to kill those who came close to him.

Though everyone tried their hardest to fight the bandits off, it was clear that the partners were clearly the ones doing most of the work as the sun continued to fall alongside the bodies.

Hours soon pass as the sun begins to set, but in the end, they made it into town. Sabitani stood in front of his group with a grin, laughing over their triumph victory.

Sabitani: I say... I can't believe we beat back every one of those bandits with no casualties on our side!

Natalia: I knew you guys had quick reflexes but I didn't realize you were so strong too.

Akame: To be honest, the danger beasts I hunted in the mountains were a lot tougher than they were.

Natalia: Children raised in the wild are incredible...

Kouga: Thanks, you put up a good fight and kept us all safe.

Amuria: Yeah, you really saved us! Thanks Ryu.

Ryu and Akame smiled at the praise before Sabatini suddenly rises, ignoring the pain in his leg as his eyes gleam.

Sabatini: I've made up my mind! Akame, Ryu! I ask that you join us!

Kouga: Wait, isn't it still a little soon for that? They're just kids!

Sabatini: True, we can save it for later. But I do want to tell them who we really are. Listen, our original plan was to have you along until you found another traveling performance troupe, at which point we'd ask them to take you in. The reason being that, although we're a company of traveling performers we have a true calling.

Akame: True calling?

Sabatini: That's right. All of us in the troupe are actually allies of justice working to change this nation. We could use your skills. Will you help us out?

They gave blank expressions to them, a nervous aura suddenly running through everyone as they looked at the two kids.

Kouga: This Empire is going bad, even though the people are suffering in poverty, the higher-ups do nothing but hog all the resources and power.

Duncan: There are a good number of our fellow countrymen working in secret to change this world.

Natalia: We're just one example. As traveling performers we make our rounds to different towns to gather information on each region.

Amuria: I'm sorry, I'm sure this is a lot to take in so suddenly. We'll fill you in a little at a time, so just take your time thinking it over.

A sad look appeared in Ryu's eyes at the familiar feeling of Amuria patting his head as no one saw his arm reach down.

Ryu: I'm sorry.

Amuria: What?

Ryu: I'm sorry, but I already have my answer.

In the blink of an eye, a dark look suddenly appeared, a bullet being put into her head as he let out a heavy sigh. Ryu had let out his Prometheus gun pointed towards Amuria's head. With a betrayed look, Sabitani and the rest look at the two children, both Ryu and Akame had menacing glare.

Natalia: What did you do?!

Akame: You've exposed your backside. You've been careful about hiding it so far, but now that we've heard this.

Natalia was cut down next, her arm being lost when she drew her weapon as the assassins' true nature was finally shown. Akame raised her katana into the air, swiftly bringing it down as she cuts Natalia in half killing her instantly.

Akame: Our targets in the Sabatini Company will all rest in pieces.

Sabatini: Y-You can't be. You're spies from the Empire!

Duncan: Akame, you bitch!

In mere seconds, Duncan had dashed towards Akame with a spear in hand planning to thrust towards her. But she quickly dodge the attack, and a mere seconds later, Duncan's left hand along with his left torso were cut down.

Ryu: I'll fire off the signal, no one's escaping.

A few buildings away, 5 more children were waiting in the shadows. One of them glanced upwards as a flare was set off into the sky.

???: Let's go.

Back in the tent, Kouga was still looking at Akame shock. She kept a cold glare as she kept her katana raised at the ready. Kouga was seating bullets, unable to hide his fear.

Kouga: You didn't come off as suspicious at all, how?!

Akame: Ever since we joined, I knew you were keeping an eye on us just to be safe. That's why we came on as new members without trying to pry.

Kouga: You- how can you not feel anything and just cut us down?! You were with us for-

Akame: I do feel! I have to! And we're sorry!

Kouga: Then-

Akame: Listen to me! We badly wanted you to be a regular traveling performance troupe but, now that you've made it clear you're an entity that brings misfortune to others, I can't let you live.

Kouga: Misfortune?

Akame: The least we can do is make it a quick and painless death. It's the way we've been taught.

Kouga: They warped children like you... Empire scum!

It only took a moment before Akame took him down as well, her dark look returning but tears being moments away from falling.

Kouga: I.. I... swore I would change this country...

To make sure he wasn't suffering anymore, Akame drove the tip of her katana into Kouga's chest, piercing his heart, giving him a painless death. Kouga immediately stop moving, Akame removed her katana, flicking the blood off then look towards Sabitani who was backing away in fear at what the Empire has done towards the children. He then scream taking off as he goes for the exit. But he didn't make it far. As soon as he did make it outside, a figure with blond hair appeared stabbing his sword through Sabitani's chest killing him.

???: Hmph. Leave none alive.

Said the person who seem to be the leader. A young man with spiky, blond hair and golden eyes. Wearing an outfit resembling a military uniform consisting of a long trench coat with golden epaulets and a suit underneath.

Performer: Wh-What's with these guys?!

???: You traitors, upsetting the nation and bringing misery to everyone!

The young girl with green eyes and long, auburn hair worn in a ponytail and decorated with a few hairpins. Wearing a tank top along with Yocto-bottoms, which take the form of leggings with a belt and ankle bands. She also walks barefoot.

With a simple kick, the performer was killed and soon many others followed before everyone was dead.

???: Did you see that, Daddy? I killed one!

(Timeskip)

The fight, or rather the slaughter didn't even last 10 minutes. Bodies on the ground as one more member finally appears.

???: You both did great on a tough mission Ryu, Akame. When you demonstrated your strength by defeating the mountain bandits the Sabatini Company revealed their true identities to recruit you. We nipped one more source of potential war. Wonderfully done! The rest of you, follow their lead and work for this country to make the people happy. Understood?

???: Yes, daddy!

???: Good girls.

One thousand years since its founding... Corruption within the central government had caused anti-government sentiment to crop up in every region in the Empire.

The Nation's intelligence department was concerned about this pattern and established a unit that specialized in assassinations. It's member were inncocent children raised as soldiers. The children believed that, by killing dissenters, they were bringing about happiness for the nation... with no Idea of the cruel fate that awaited them.

The praise being sent their way meant nothing as they looked back, the friendships they made here being cut down in an instant while they showed no emotions towards it until the others finally left. They stayed by each other's sides, silent mourning as they remembered the happy times. But this was for a better future...

Ryu(mind): Is it though?

Said the boy with the dark purple hair and has Martinique and East Side colored eyes. They truly didn't know what cruel fate was waiting for them...

A/N: Alright. This was the first chapter of Akame ga Kill! Zero. Just like I say, this was inspired by the other authors who created the other Akame ga Kill. So nothing much will change, other than the story line that is. And I want some thoughts about whether you like the story or not? And if you enjoyed it, I hop you await for the next one, since I want to focus on my other story so  this one might not update regularly. And as always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading.